Lavender has long been used as a herbal sleep remedy. It’s soothing, relaxing properties are a great help for wired-up kids during witching hour. Make a batch of this sweet scented lavender play dough and create a quiet corner for the kids to play with it. Some ideas for gentle play dough time include:
- Rolling into small balls – the act of rolling the dough is very calming
- Flattening the dough and sticking in natural, found objects – a textural way to create something special
- Pushing, squeezing and molding the dough – releasing lots of beautiful, calming lavender scent
- Pulling the dough into lots of different sized shapes – counting the shapes helps kids wind down
Like all no-cook play doughs, making up a batch of this dough is simple and fast. You’ll be surprised how relaxed you feel after you knead this sweet-smelling dough ready for play – and ain’t that the curse of children and sleep? This play dough will make you as drowsy as a sleep-deprived mother, but the kids will be wide awake playing for hours…
What you need
- 1 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of salt
- 2 Tbs of cream of tartar
- 6 stems of lavender (optional)
- 1 tbs of oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of lavender oil
- 3/4 cup of boiling water
- Purple food colouring (optional)
What you do
1. Mix all of the dry ingredients together. Add the small petals and leaves of the lavender flower if using.
2. Mix in the oil and then slowly add the boiling water, mixing as you go. You might not need all of the water.
3. Add a couple of drops of food colouring (two purple or one red and one blue if using separate colours).
4. Once it has been fully mixed together, remove from the bowl and gently knead on a flat surface until smooth and pliable. You will feel an elasticity in the kneading when the play dough is ready.
5. Set up a play space and give your child a few tools and natural objects to inspire their quiet pre-bedtime play. The lavender aroma will infuse their play, helping them wind down and (hopefully) become a little sleepier.
What do your kids get up to between dinner and bedtime?
Lucy says
Between dinner and bedtime currently involves a play outside, jump on the trampoline and the reluctant return inside to do homework…! The essential oil in play dough works a treat, have used it as a trick when the big kids were younger and must return to it with 3 1/2 year old Jono! Thanks for the reminder!
Maxabella says
I’m a huge fan of lavender – I buy it in those huge bottles and use it liberally. Combined with vinegar, it makes an awesome fabric softener – and clothes smell amazing (and sleepy). x
Dani @ sand has no home says
Haven’t tried play dough with my 2 year old, or I did, ages ago, and he ate it. I’ll give this a go. Thank you.
Maxabella says
Put extra salt in and he won’t eat it! (Salt also preserves the dough for keeping for later). x
Seana Smith says
Mmmm, I can practically smell it.
Maxabella says
You should make a batch for you, Seana!! x
Holly says
What a fun idea! Great for toddlers before that dreaded nap time too!
Maxabella says
Absolutely. Play dough + lavender is the ultimate wind down. I might try it myself before bed… x
Lydia C. Lee says
What a fab idea!!
Maxabella says
I’m getting right into making lots of different kinds… mint, chamomile, ginger… it’s fun!! x
Kristy @ Loulou Zoo says
OMG – I love this! Just pinned to remind me to do next week….our last batch of playdough looks very sad (and poo coloured)…
Bec @ The Plumbette says
This is awesome Bron! I can’t wait to make some! I love the smell of lavender.
Bridie says
This is happening here today. Can’t believe I’ve never thought to add essential oils before. Genius!! X
Bele @ BlahBlah says
What an awesome idea. I’m thinking I might just stick some lavender and essential in the batch I’ve got in the fridge x
Maxabella says
That would work! x
Dre says
I’ve heard of chocolate scented playdough but lavender and other essential oils, genius! I’ve been wanting to make playdough for ages and this sounds just perfect for my girls! They usually just play and we read books right before bed but lately, with the warmer weather, we’ve been heading out to water the vegies and play outside! x Dre
Maxabella says
A little outdoor time before bed is perfect, Dre. That’s the time we always helped my Dad water the vegie patch too. x